Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Subaru Forester owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park and noticed a crack on the passenger side windshield going horizontal to the roofline. The contact did not notify the dealer or manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while the vehicle was at a stationary in the driveway, he noticed a second crack on the driver's side windshield going horizontal to the roofline. The contact took the vehicle to local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front windshield to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle after the vehicle had been parked in the parking garage for six days, the contact became aware that the front windshield had developed a 12-inch crack across the middle bottom. The contact stated that there were no objects that could have caused that crack near or around the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure with the front windshield was common for the year, make, and model, but had not provided a specific cause for the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal cracking sound. The contact became aware that a crack had formed on the passenger's side of the windshield at the bottom in a circular shape. The contact stated that the crack had expanded across the windshield in a spider web shape. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or glass shop. The windshield was not replaced. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while approaching the parked vehicle, she noticed the windshield was cracked. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the windshield to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated a day after purchasing the vehicle, he noticed a crack on the windshield of the vehicle while the vehicle was parked in the garage. The contact was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 11,938.
I am reporting a safety issue with an aftermarket driver's side mirror manufactured by TRQ, intended as a replacement for a 2017 Subaru Forester. The mirror does not provide sufficient side visibility, increasing blind spots significantly compared to the OEM part, thereby putting driver safety at risk. The problem persists even after a replacement mirror was sent, suggesting a design flaw rather than an individual defect. Both mirrors, original and replacement, are available for inspection. The safety risk has been directly observed and documented through personal use rather than being confirmed by a dealer or service center. The manufacturer, TRQ, was contacted multiple times regarding this issue. They failed to acknowledge the defect adequately, instead suggesting I contact the retailer, Amazon. …
The air system has gone out in the car completely, you can hear it run or try to and then kick off, i have checked and it has not been recalled. there were no accidents prior to the air system giving out. it started around the june 2024, but it didn't affect vision at that time. it started affecting vision as winter approached (nov 2024). My vision is now completely affected as the weather is hitting temps as low as 10 and the heating system doesn't work at all. all the defoggers/defrosters nor actual vents. it has been out for a bit, but now it is becoming dangerous as my vision is highly affected, i even bought a heater for in the car and my vision is still affected. i haven't gotten it looked at as it's not something im sure is affordable, so it's a work in progress, but this isn't the only time i have hear of this same brand car's defroster/defogger has gave up. …
Spontaneous windshield crack occurred while car was parked (i.e., no collision or pebble impact). Crack originates at lower portion of passenger side in black-colored perimeter of windshield glass with windshield deicer and spread upward and across middle of entire windshield. Crack obstructs driving visibility and poses risk to integrity of entire window including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning system calibration. No previous impacts to windshield. Suspect defect in windshield consistent with those found in 2015-2016 Subaru Outback and Legacy models related to materials used in deicer area of windshields in recent class action settlement against Subaru. Took to Subaru dealer who confirmed origin of crack in originates in deicer region of windshield, but denies any liability for weakened material at sight of deicer as determined for other models.
The motor for the wiper fluid dispenser went bad. I took the vehicle back to be repaired and while they had the vehicle apart, I was informed that my entire wiring harness needed to be replaced. Now, my vehicle has sporadic issues such as windows not going down, the door locks engaging on their own, my fuel economy will suddenly drop to 19mpg from 28 mpg. Subaru initially stayed this was all due to the remote start I had installed at a retailer, this was after calling the dealership and they informed me that it was fine since my warranty had just expired. When I tried ro pursue something through the retailer, the dealership that had my vehicle denied saying that it was due to the remote start. So, I am stuck with a vehicle that has numerous problems, is not very safe and everyone says not my problem.
I have a 2017 Subaru Forester that I bought brand new with only 5 miles on it at the time. Within the first year my battery needed replaced twice! I am still having this issue 5 years later and have purchased sometimes 2 batteries a year depending! The windshield also cracked within the first year I bought the car. I had it fixed and it cracked again this time not under warranty and the crack is in front of my eyesight sensor which makes my eyesight turn off which is very dangerous. I have seen MANY complaints on the windshield issue online with 2021 foresters. This is unacceptable. I am very unsatisfied with the company for not fixing this issue or making it right. I would not buy another Subaru or recommend anyone to buy one until they fix these problems.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2017 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has 115 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2017 Subaru Forester, 19% of the model year's 592 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Subaru Forester window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2017 Subaru Forester, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Subaru Forester window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.